Ball Retriever

ABSTRACT

Ball retrievers are an essential tool used to assist in the recovery of a ball from difficult or hazard areas such as ponds, mud, tall grasses or other hard to reach areas. In one embodiment a tapered fixed length handle having a hand grip on the first end and a ball retriever scoop attached to the opposing second end. The ball retriever scoop is formed from a single length of hard wire and incorporates a rim with an open front section having downward bends and mirroring curvilinear support elements substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. The curvilinear supports transition into angled wire ends for attachment to a handle directly or indirectly with a coupler.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Ball retrievers are used to assist in the recovery of balls such as a golf ball or tennis ball especially when the ball is out of reach. Ball retrievers are frequently used during golf play when a ball lands in waters, creek beds, mud patches, rough terrain or tall grasses. Other times they are used to gather up practice balls or for health purpose to limit the bending required by hand recovery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are activities such as golf and tennis where ball retrievers have been a useful tool in assisting in recovering balls that fall out of the play area landing in water, tail grasses, brushes, mud patches or other difficult terrain. Balls are an important piece of the game and players make a substantial investment in quality balls to help them improve their game. Therefore, a player may choose to use a ball retriever to prevent a loss and the expense of replacing a ball. Additionally with a good ball retriever many players have made it a habit to collect any lost ball they may come across which helps lower their cost of play.

There are many bail retrievers on the market, some are mechanical with moving parts including springs or use friction to hold a ball but they require much too difficult alignment to work in all situations. Some are designed like a rake for multiple ball gathering, but they are bulky and difficult to store. While some maybe somewhat effective, many tend to be flimsy or fail in certain applications

There is a need for a more optimal compact design with improved performance and durability. One that reduces the resistance on a ball entering the retriever while allowing for an easier and faster ball recovery from many reaching angles and in most ball retrieving situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ball retriever that extends the users reach for gathering balls or recovering balls from difficult areas such as water hazards, tall grass, shrubs or mud. A preferred ball retriever will use just a few parts to keep it cost effective and easy to assemble.

Handles both telescopic or fixed length type, have first and second opposing ends that can receive attachment. Typically, the first end of the handle includes a hand grip which gives the user more control of the handle while reducing slippage and fatigue. Other types of attachments can be plugs or end caps, all the forementioned attachments can add a finished look and feel to both first and second handle ends.

The second opposing end of the handle has a ball retriever scoop attached allowing the user to easily reach and recover balls in play. The ball retriever scoop can be affixed to the handle end using common fastener systems such as adhesives, rivets or crimping etc. Additionally, couplers, end caps or plugs can be used and are a decorative way to secure the ball retriever scoop to the handle end. Design is an important element in a ball retriever, users are depending on it to speed up the gathering or recovery process without begin cumbersome.

In one embodiment, the ball retriever scoop is formed from a single length of hard wire to retain its shape under heavy use, however different wire gages or wire types such as; stainless steel, galvanized, brass or newer composite wire can be used for different ball types and sizes. Finish coatings maybe applied to the wire scoop for a decorative or functional purpose.

The ball retriever scoop starts with a furcation within the middle section of the wire length, the wire is formed into a circular rim having an open front section. The rim inside diameter is slightly larger than the balls widest circumference, allowing the ball to enter through the rims top. The rims open front section allows the ball to enter the rim through the top with less restriction from the rim and with minimal alignment.

The rims open front section continues with downward bends and form mirroring curvilinear support elements running rearwardly and angled slightly inward and substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. These downward bends act as knuckles to help align the rim over the ball, additionally, they assist when digging out embedded balls.

The support elements continued their curvilinear path upward towards the center section of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward substantially near the top of the rim, with both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient for securing to a handle end directly or indirectly using a coupler, end cap or plug.

In additional embodiments, the ball retriever scoop may have an elongated rim having an open front section with downward bends that form mirroring curvilinear support elements running rearwardly and angled slightly inward and substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter.

Another aspect of the embodiment, the support elements bend downward substantially below the rim rearwardly mirroring in a curvilinear form while angling slightly inward towards the backside of the rim’s top center where they bend on an angle outward near the top of the rim. Both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient to secure to a handle end directly or indirectly with the use of a coupler, end cap or plug.

Another aspect of the embodiment, is when directly attaching the ball retriever scoop to the handles second opposing end. The wire ends maybe crimped, clamped, friction fit, bonded or fastened. Bonding with an epoxy adhesive is a particularly efficient way to affix the scoop to the handle. When indirectly affixed, the use of a coupler, end cap or plug can offer a solution for incompatible materials to be affixed as well as offering a decorative element to the finished product. The retriever scoop is affixed to the coupler using some of the above-mentioned options, but may also be insert molded where the coupler is formed around a portion of the retriever scoop wire ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the ball retriever scoop directly connected to a telescopic handle.

FIG. 2 is a view of the ball retriever scoop indirectly connected to a fixed handle with a coupler.

FIG. 3 Is a top view of the ball retrievers wire scoop

FIG. 4 Is a bottom view of the bail retriever’s wire scoop

FIG. 5 Is a side view of the ball retriever’s wire scoop

FIG. 6 is a front view of the ball retriever’s wire scoop

FIG. 7 is a top view of the ball retrievers wire scoop directly attached to a fixed handle

FIG. 8 Is a side view of the ball retriever’s wire scoop indirectly attached to a fixed handle and holding a ball.

FIG. 9 Is a top view of the ball retriever’s wire scoop with coupler.

FIG. 10 Is a top view of the ball retriever’s wire scoop with plug.

FIG. 11 Is a cross section of the coupler mounted to the handle.

FIG. 12 Is a cross section of the plug mounted to the handle.

DETAILDED DESCRIPTION

Ball retrievers are an essential tool used to assist in the recovery of a ball from difficult or hazard areas such as ponds, mud, tail grasses or other hard to reach areas.

Embodiments of the ball retriever comprise of a handle and a wire scoop. The Handie length is chosen based on the user’s preference and the distance desired for ball retrieval. Further, embodiments of the handle may be a fixed length or Telescopic type handle, allowing for adjustable length and compact storage. Embodiments of the fixed handle length allow for easy handling with less complexity while offering a more cost-effective retriever. Telescopic handles have multiple articulating segments. They may extend and retract independently which offers the user greater distance of reach while still being able to reduce to a compact size for easy storage.

Preferred embodiment seen in FIG. 1 shows a ball retriever 1 with a telescopic handle 4 comprising a hand grip 6 attached to the handles first end to assist in securing a tight controlled grip on the handle. The multi section adjustable handle 4 allows extended ball retrieval reach with the ball retriever scoop 16 directly affixed to the handles second opposing end. FIG. 2 shows a ball retriever 1 having a fixed handle 2 that offers a consistent length with a ball retriever scoop 16 attached to the handles second end with a coupler 8 securing it to the handle end.

FIGS. 3-6 Shows different aspects of the wire scoop. A top view of the wire scoop 16 formed from a single length of hard wire having a first and second ends. This wire maybe coated with decorative finish coatings or rubberized coatings that can add gripping capability. In the preferred embodiment the wire scoop 16 starts with a furcation 18 near the middle section of the wire length, the wire is formed into a slightly elongated circular rim 20 having an open front section 23 with an open range between 20-160 degrees of the rim’s circumference shown here with a preferred 75 degree opening in the front section of the rim. The wire scoop rims inside perimeter are sized to allow for the balls widest circumference to pass through the top opening of the rim, where it will rest on top of the support elements 26 & 28 and within the inside perimeter of the wire scoop rim. The wire scoop’s 16 open front section 25 when engaging the balls smaller circumference near the base of the ball, allows for less rim 20 interference when the ball 70 passes through the top opening of the rim. The rims open front section continues with 24 and 22 downward bends and form mirroring curvilinear support elements 26 & 28 running rearwardly and angled slightly inward and substantially under the rim 29 for supporting and holding the ball 70 within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims 20 inside diameter. The downward bends 24 & 22 offer additional function by acting as knuckles that assist in digging out embedded or stuck balls during retrieval.

The curvilinear support elements 26 & 28 continue mirroring upward towards the center section 18 of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward 30 & 32 near the top of the rim, where both wire ends 36 & 38 terminate with lengths sufficient for securing to a handle end 6 directly using standard attachment means, including adhesives, crimping or even welding.

FIGS. 7-12 show several additional options to secure the wire scoop to the handle 2, the wire scoop can be installed indirectly to a handle 2 using a coupler 8, end cap 10 or plug 12. in a preferred embodiment the coupler 8 is press fitted to the wire ends 36 & 38 then the coupler is press fitted to the handle 2. Additional embodiments may use a cap 10 and epoxy adhesive 40 to secure the wire scoop to the handle 2 giving the handle end a clean finished look. Additionally heat staking or insert molding are options for fastening the end cap or plug to the wire scoop. While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. Modifications in addition to those discussed can be made without departing from the invention. For example, the handle may be of a tapering type such as a golf shaft. Furthermore, the components of the ball retriever scoop can be made detachable from one another allowing, for example, for replacement of the lower wire scoop Individually. Different methods for fastening the wire scoop to the handle may also be utilized. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

The invention I claim is:
 1. A ball retriever scoop, comprising: a handle; a handle grip, a wire scoop, wherein the wire scoop is formed from a single length of hard wire into a slightly elongated circular rim with an open front section, with a preferred 75 degree open front section of the rim’s circumference, and downward bends with mirroring curvilinear support elements substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. The support elements continued their curvilinear path upward towards the center section of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward substantially near the top of the rim, where both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient for securing to the handle end with attachment means.
 2. A ball retriever of claim 1 wherein the open portion of the rim may have a range between 20-160 degrees of the wire scoop rims overall circumference.
 3. A ball retriever of claim 2 wherein the wire rim has a circular open front ring shape with downward bends with mirroring curvilinear support elements substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. The support elements continued their curvilinear path upward towards the center section of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward substantially near the top of the rim, where both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient for securing to the handle end with attachment means.
 4. A ball retriever of claim 3 wherein the curvilinear support elements are more angular.
 5. A ball retriever of claim 4 wherein the wire scoop is attached to the handle end with a plastic coupler with attachment means.
 6. A ball retriever scoop, comprising: A handle; a handle grip, a coupler, a wire scoop with an open front section, wherein the wire scoop is formed from a single length of hard wire into a slightly elongated circular rim with an open front section having an open range between 20-160 degrees of the rim’s circumference, with a preferred 75 degree open front section of the rim, and downward bends with mirroring curvilinear support elements substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. The support elements continued their curvilinear path upward towards the center section of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward substantially near the top of the rim, where both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient for securing to the handle end with a coupler with attachment means.
 7. A ball retriever of claim 6 wherein the curvilinear support elements are more angular.
 8. A ball retriever of claim 7 wherein the wire scoop is attached to the handle end with a plastic plug with attachment means.
 9. A ball retriever of claim 8 wherein the wire rim has a circular open front ring shape with downward bends with mirroring curvilinear support elements substantially under the rim for supporting and holding the ball within a defined area which includes a portion of the rims inside diameter. The support elements continued their curvilinear path upward towards the center section of the rim’s backside where they straighten and angle outward substantially near the top of the rim, where both wire ends terminate with a length sufficient for securing to the handle end with attachment means.
 10. A ball retriever of claim 9 wherein the handle comprises a tapered shaft.
 11. A ball retriever of claim 10 wherein the handle comprises a multi-section adjustable length handle. 